With influx of talent, Thrashers will gradually improve

Using the VUKOTA projection system of Puck Prospectus, Insider takes the temperature of key players on every NHL team. For a detailed explanation of Prospectus' proprietary GVT value metric, read more here.

Instead of worrying about whether their superstar players will stick around, the Thrashers have changed their organizational focus in the post-Kovalchuk era -- and handed the keys to veteran hockey executive Rick Dudley. Dudley has done a good job of accumulating some nice talent this offseason, with the acquisitions of Dustin Byfuglien, Andrew Ladd and Chris Mason. This team seems to finally be headed in the right direction, but patience will be necessary moving forward.

For the full Thrashers breakdown from Puck Prospectus and E.J. Hradek, you need to be an ESPN Insider.

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The writers of Puck Prospectus break out their VUKOTA projection system to examine players trending up and sliding down on every NHL team. And in anticipation of training camp, E.J. Hradek dishes on an intriguing player that could have a big impact in 2010-11.